J.S. Bach: Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort, BWV 126 - The Church Cantatas, Vol. 173

BWV126 (4 February 1725) is a truly exciting chorale cantata. The opening chorus begins with an huge battle cry, the trumpet playing a fanfare based on the tune of the chorale which is then taken up by the choir, leading to dramatic long sustained notes. The sopranos sing the chorale tune while the other voices have free material that fits the text. The trumpet signal returns a number of times, and the trumpet has another stirring melody which rings high above the lively voices. Next two oboes sing a wonderful duet to which the tenor adds his pleading for God’s blessings to come down - which they already do in the music. A unique recitative follows, in which alto and tenor take turns singing recitatives, while in between the chorale is sung in two parts, both voices once again taking turns to sing the decorated melody. One of Bach’s most furious arias is then sung by the bass, the `stürze zu Boden’ vividly pictured: the fierce downward runs (fifty in all) are impressive even on paper in the score. A teno